10 Camping Destinations near Manila

Sometimes we just need to get away from the city to enjoy fresh air and nature. Camping weekends where the main agenda is to do nothing but go stargazing, roast marshmallows over a bonfire and sleep under the stars can offer a quick escape. However, the most beautiful camping spots usually require long hikes up the mountains or boat travel to smaller islands and remote beaches.

Bikepackers and motorcycle riders are always on the lookout for natural spots that are still accessible by vehicles or with secure parking nearby.

Here are just 10 campsites located just 1 -4 hours away from Manila that I’ve personally visited or have been planning to visit. These camping areas are located in areas close to nature, with spacious grounds for pitching your own tents and have facilities like restrooms, running water and places to buy food nearby.

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2021 Travel Guide: Boracay, Philippines (New Normal)

The tropical island paradise of Boracay in Aklan is one of the first destinations that reopened to domestic tourists during the COVID era in the Philippines. Well-known for having a long stretch of powdery white sand beach, crystal clear waters, a stunning sunset and a wide variety of hotels, resorts and restaurants to choose from, Boracay has always been one of the top tourist destinations in the country.

READ MORE: ABS-CBN: What to expect if you’re planning to visit Boracay this summer

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ArtSector Gallery & Chimney Café 360º in Rizal

I’ve been meaning to visit ArtSector Gallery & Chimney Cafe 360º for a while now. This special events place located in my husband’s hometown of Binangonan has become one of the most popular spots on social media this past year because of the stunning views it offers. The relatively new café perched on a hill offers a 360º view of Laguna Lake, Sierra Madre Mountains, Pililla Windmills, sunset, moon, and city lights.

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Biking safety tips during the COVID-19 pandemic

A lot of people got into biking last year because of the lack of transportation and as a recreational activity. This year, more people will probably be interested in venturing further from the cities for bike exploration or are planning to meet up with friends for group rides. While borders have started easing up, we’re still not out of the woods yet. As long as vaccines are not yet available, it’s better to err on the side of safety. 

That being said, biking is a physical exercise that’s beneficial for maintaining health, fitness, and the body’s immune system. When done alone or with members of your household, it can be a relatively safe and rewarding activity. 

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Biking in Bohol: Panglao Island Loop

Bohol is an amazing destination for bikers. Panglao Island, in particular, the main tourist area on the island province, offers a great place for leisurely bike rides. Aside from all the water-based activities like island-hopping, snorkeling, scuba diving and dolphin watching, bikers can easily enjoy exploring the land-based attractions on two wheels. There’s no better way to appreciate the charm of island living than by hopping on a bike to bask on the white sand beaches and pass through small towns.

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2021 Travel Guide: Bohol, Philippines (New Normal)

More tourist destinations around the Philippines are easing travel restrictions and opening up to domestic tourism. Bohol, well-known for its majestic chocolate hills, tarsiers, and beautiful white sand beaches, is the latest to reopen to leisure tourists just in time for the Christmas season.

READ MORE: What to expect from the new normal travel in Bohol

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Travel Guide: Biking in Batanes

Bike tourism has really boomed in the Philippines during the pandemic. While most of us living in cities have had to content ourselves with urban rides the past few months, there are loads of beautiful places in the Philippines perfect for biking. The thought of being able to bike through coastal and mountain roads in island provinces is something I’m looking forward to doing once we can all travel freely again. The sad lack of green spaces to bike around Metro Manila got me reminiscing about some of the most amazing destinations in the country that I’ve had the chance to explore by bike, particularly Batanes.

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Klook offers promos on domestic travel

With tourism starting to open up, now may be the right time to start thinking about your next local getaway! Klook is giving Filipinos more ways to re-discover the beauty of their home country with its “Pilipinas, You’re Worth the Wait” campaign. 

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Go on a Virtual Scavenger Hunt through Hong Kong

The last time I was in Hong Kong was in 2018 for a solo 3-day trip, I enjoyed walking around the gardens in the city, navigating through the city to hunt for IG-worthy spots and street art, and chowing down on amazing street food and craft beer. Before that, it was on a family trip to Hong Kong Disneyland with my mom, sister and nephew. Hong Kong is just one of those destinations that you don’t mind visiting again and again because there’s always something new to discover.

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Australia 2019: Brisbane Highlights

Brisbane is the capital and the most populated city in the Australian state of Queensland. One of the oldest cities in Australia, Brisbane was founded upon ancient traditional lands. The city was named after the Brisbane River on which it is located, which in turn gets its name from Scotsman Sir Thomas Brisbane, the Governor of New South Wales at the time of the city’s founding.

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